Carole Knits

october zinnia
october zinnia
martinis with a view
martinis with a view
gettysburg fence for
gettysburg fence for
germinate shawl on rocks
germinate shawl on rocks
field of flags 2
field of flags 2
color affection with edge
color affection with edge
cedar leaf shawlette 2
cedar leaf shawlette 2
3_27_2014
3_27_2014
3_18_13
3_18_13
2_24_2014
2_24_2014
1_11_13
1_11_13
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
  • Home
  • Carole Julius Photography

A Month of Reading: March 2017

April 11, 2017 By Carole

I finished 8 books in the month of March and that makes it a good month of reading, for sure.


The Yarn Whisperer by Clara Parkes
4 stars
Knitting is life and life is knitting. That is all but that is enough.

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
5 stars
A difficult but necessary read, this certainly lives up to the hype. As so many others have said, this one will stay with me for a long time.

News of the World by Paulette Jiles
5 stars
Beautiful writing and the story is full of promise and hope. Exciting in parts, quiet and speculative in others, this book made me want to sit down and drink a pot of tea with Captain Kidd and Johanna.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
3 stars
I want to give this book 5 stars because of the subject and the author’s note at the end but I’m only giving it 3 because it could have been so much more. The story is good and it moved along quickly and some of the writing is really eloquent but I had a hard time reconciling the outcome for one of the characters with the personality the author spent so much time developing. I won’t say more and I do recommend it for those who enjoy YA and who want to ponder teen suicide and mental illness.

The Girls by Emma Cline
2 stars
I expected to love this book and it just fell flat for me. The writing is pretentious and there are way too many descriptions of bad food and dirty people, gross sheets and awkward sex, I was uncomfortable for a lot of the time I was reading it. I could get over that, though, if the story was engaging and the characters believable. Instead I felt like nothing happened for a really long time and then a BIG thing happened and the book ended. Way too much build up and not enough pay off for me. Not recommended.

Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
5 stars
I adored this book. The writing is lovely and the story of the lifelong friendship between two married couples is lifelike and wonderful. The time frame, the setting (mostly Vermont and Wisconsin) and the philosophical and moral issues faced by the characters all come together in a perfect way. Highly recommended.

The Painted Drum by Louise Erdrich
4 stars
The writing is beautiful but I did have a hard time keeping track of the story line and characters at times. Still, totally worth reading, especially for the last 20 pages or so.

Faithful by Alice Hoffman
4 stars
Very readable, I think I’d describe this as Alice Hoffman Lite since it just doesn’t have the depth that most of Hoffman’s books have. It’s a very good story of hope and redemption, though, and a fast read.

Eight books, mostly all very good. What have you been reading lately?

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailA Month(ish) of Reading: June-Early July 2017 Default ThumbnailA Month of Reading: January 2017 Default ThumbnailA Month of Reading: February 2017 Default ThumbnailA Month+ of Reading: April and Early May 2017
« Weekending
Selfie, with Wine »

Filed Under: Books

Comments

  1. Sue says

    April 11, 2017 at 8:05 am

    I just finished “Truly Madly Guilty.” Liane Moriarty hasn’t disappointed me yet!

  2. Vera says

    April 11, 2017 at 8:14 am

    Great reviews Carole. Stegner is one of my favorite authors – loved Crossing to Safety and another great one by him is The Angle of Repose. I too loved News of the World. I read The Underground Railroad – had a difficult time getting through it – some of it was so horrible, but some of it just bored me. But, glad I read it. I’ll have to look for the Louise Erdrich and Alice Hoffman books. Thanks!

    Oh, and I was reading Year of Miracles (Geraldine Brooks) which I liked, but again I slowed down reading (maybe it’s me and not the books???).

  3. Patty says

    April 11, 2017 at 8:33 am

    Adding Crossing to Safety to my list today! I’m re-reading The Red Tent and listening to Harry Potter!

  4. Bonny says

    April 11, 2017 at 8:55 am

    I don’t even like seeing The Girls next to Crossing to Safety! I’m currently in a bit of a book slump; I’ve started several things, but I haven’t yet found the one that best suits my mood. Maybe Angle of Repose …

  5. Jo says

    April 11, 2017 at 9:45 am

    You are right on about The Girls. It was tedious and boring and the main character was implausible. You are motivating me to reread Crossing to Safety. I didn’t like it when I first read it, but it sometimes a really good read is just not what you needed at the time.

  6. Kym says

    April 11, 2017 at 11:29 am

    Oh, you’ve got some of my favorite reads on your list! And, as I’ve already expressed, Wallace Stegner is one of my favorite authors of all time. Crossing to Safety is fabulous — but I think Angle of Repose is even better. 🙂 I just finished Exit West and it was excellent.

  7. Kwizgiver says

    April 11, 2017 at 1:48 pm

    Of the books I’ve also read, I gave them the same ratings. I need to read this Hoffman, I love her books.

  8. christi in ma says

    April 11, 2017 at 3:44 pm

    I haven’t read anything good lately. I’m so tired of books that are just meh.

    So I’m reading Belichick and Brady by Michael Holley. I like his writing style a lot.

  9. margene says

    April 11, 2017 at 4:11 pm

    Stegner and Erdich are two of my favorites and I’ve read much of their work. How cool is it that Whitehead won the Pulitzer!?

  10. AsKatKnits says

    April 11, 2017 at 5:09 pm

    Wow, some great reads in your month! And, I see a few that I want to read as well! I am reading a mystery by an unknown (to me) author. It could end badly, but I will wait and see!

  11. Mary says

    April 11, 2017 at 7:52 pm

    What a nice pile of books! Wallace Stegner is still on my TBR – and seeing a 5-star recommendation from you moves him up a bit closer to the top!

  12. Gale Zucker says

    April 12, 2017 at 7:06 am

    What a great list (and review). I just read The Kitchen House, I do not recommend it but now I’m going to read The
    Underground Railroad, I’m looking forward to a great book.
    (Also I love Wallace Stegner, thanks for reminding me. Have you read Angle of Repose ? So good)

  13. April says

    April 12, 2017 at 6:25 pm

    I love your book posts! Call me tardy to the party because I just listened to my first Ann Patchett…The Patron Saint of Liars. I really enjoyed it! I want to read Commonwealth, but there is a long wait at the library for it. Thank you for sharing with us!

  14. Lydia says

    April 15, 2017 at 7:43 pm

    I’m reading Loving Frank which I’m enjoying. Just finished The Girl You Left Behind for book club and liked it. You’ve given me some good suggestions

Archives

carole AT caroleknits DOT net
my read shelf:
Carole's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

2020 Reading Challenge

2020 Reading Challenge
Carole has read 5 books toward her goal of 75 books.
hide
5 of 75 (6%)
view books

carolejuliusphoto

Amaryllis watch 2021 is on! #amarylliswatch #white Amaryllis watch 2021 is on! #amarylliswatch #whiteflowerfarm #amaryllisvelvetnymph #winterblooms
If there’s one thing the pandemic has been good If there’s one thing the pandemic has been good for, it’s my sourdough game. I actually started learning about making sourdough bread a week before the stay at home orders thanks to @sprboston as he shared his starter and recipe and technique with me. Since then I have kept Mama Cass fed and alive and have baked many loaves of bread. This one might be my best one yet. I did the final proof in the fridge for 24 hours and baked it from its cold state. Great spring and ear and crumb, it was delicious with dinner tonight. #sourdough #sourdoughbread #lookatthatcrumb #lookatthatear #homebakedbread #imadeitmyself #homemadeisbest
Nothing melts my librarian heart like taking my gr Nothing melts my librarian heart like taking my grandson to the library to pick out books. #nanahasakey #librarytime #readtoyourkids #attaboyjack #nanalife
Scenes from our dinner last night. There were only Scenes from our dinner last night. There were only 2 instead of our usual 8 and I missed my crew. Still, it was special to have my guy all to myself and we enjoyed an evening of good conversation, lots of music, and a few dances, too. GoodBYE 2020, Welcome  2021! #happynewyear #capresesticks #bakedstuffedshrimp #filetmignon #cocktailhourathome #dinnerathome #newyearsevedinner #thosenapkinsthough #imadeitmyself
My Instagram #topnine for 2020. Sure is a lot of D My Instagram #topnine for 2020. Sure is a lot of Dale. Good thing I love him! #topnine2020 #instagramtop9
When a very kind neighbor texts you and says, I ha When a very kind neighbor texts you and says, I have French onion soup and I’d like to share it ... you say YES! And when it turns out to be much more than soup but also crocks and bread and cheese and garnish ... you say, I sure am lucky to be part of this community. Thank you, Deb, from the bottom of our hearts. #homemadesoup #frenchonionsoup #kindneighbors #buildingcommunity
For the first time ever I have made ROUND Swedish For the first time ever I have made ROUND Swedish rye bread, ridges and all! That’s right, my local friends, no more stalking the Italian Kitchen for their bakery order to arrive, I can do it myself! Medwurst sandwiches forthcoming! #swedishryebread #limpabread #vörtlimpa #swedishchristmas #homemadeisbest #roundrye
God Jul! #godjul #happysolstice #welcomethelight # God Jul! #godjul #happysolstice #welcomethelight #glugg
Totally in love with our Christmas bedroom! #chris Totally in love with our Christmas bedroom! #christmasbedroom #christmasallthroughthehouse #christmaspillows #christmasbedding #letsstayhome #cozychristmas #letsstayinbed
Tonight at our house it’s sushi and Scrooge! #su Tonight at our house it’s sushi and Scrooge! #sushitime #tatamieastbridgewaterma #sushifordays #watchingchristmasmovies #achristmascarol #georgecscottisthebestscrooge #tistheseason
That’s a lot of trees! #christmascookies #spritz That’s a lot of trees! #christmascookies #spritzcookies #swedishchristmas #homemadeisbest #cookiebaking
I’ve had it for 33 years and it’s still one of I’ve had it for 33 years and it’s still one of my favorite ornaments on the tree. #wheatoncollege #christmasorbaments #wheatoncollegema #christmasbaubles
Of course I made lussekatter for St. Lucia Day. Di Of course I made lussekatter for St. Lucia Day. Did I post the photo I took, though? Nope! I forgot until today but here they are, a day late but definitely not a dollar short. #stluciaday #lussekatter #saffronbuns #swedishchristmas #swedishtraditions #christmasfood #lussekatt #homemadeisbest #julbak #godjul
I may be a shiksa but I can still make good potato I may be a shiksa but I can still make good potato latkes! Happy Hanukkah, my friends! #potatolatkes #happyhannukah
Happy December Friday, friends! #fridaynigntsnacks Happy December Friday, friends! #fridaynigntsnacks #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #choppedliver #thosenapkinsthough
The tree is up in a new location, I think Captain The tree is up in a new location, I think Captain Julius will keep a good eye over it. #christmastree2020 #ohchristmastree
The first Friday Night Snacks in December most def The first Friday Night Snacks in December most definitely call for Swedish meatballs! #fridaynightsnacks #swedishmeatballs #martinitime #thosenapkinsthough #cocktailsathome #quarantinelifebelike
It’s December first, time to open the advent cal It’s December first, time to open the advent calendar of wine! #wineadventcalendar #itsthemostwonderfultimeoftheyear #hellodecember #winetime #cutestadventcalendarever #drinkwineeveryday
I’m loving this mini felted ball garland over th I’m loving this mini felted ball garland over the mantle in my studio! And the trompe l'oeil fire is still one of my favorite things about this room! #christmasgarland #fakefireplace #trompeloeil
I adore this new pie plate I got from @georgetownp I adore this new pie plate I got from @georgetownpottery, the design is so unique! #georgetownpottery #pieplate #treatyoself
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Categories

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Birthdays Bloggers Books Charity Knitting Contests Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday Memes Monday On My Mind Movies One Little Word Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

Copyright 2014 Carole Knits · Log in